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Photo
by Nancy Mildrum - Back row:
Jake Thibault, Thomas Dunn, Carolyn Branagan, Renee
Lavigne, Abby Ledoux, Front row:
Jeff Baur, Olivia Baker, Chris Messer, Shelby LeBarge
On September 23, 2005 local state representative
Carolyn Branagan visited the Georgia school leadership class
to share some of her experiences as a leader. She noted that
following Madeleine Kunin’s visit to the class would be
difficult and that Governor Kunin was a groundbreaker whose
legacy continues.
Carolyn said that she has always been a leader. In 6th
and 7th grade she was leader of her 4-H group. “I
have always felt a sense of responsibility,” she said. She
also shared that it’s “not about the leaders…it’s
about the people who allow them to lead.”
Carolyn also stressed that “there’s more common
ground then you think. I have made a lot of friends in my
search for common ground.” She said that, although she is a
Republican, she doesn’t always vote with the party. She
decided to run for office because she was aggravated over
school funding. “I'm still working on school funding…what
will work in Georgia might not work in Burlington.”
“When you’re a leader,” she said, “you’re
really a servant looking out for those you lead.” Carolyn
said she has made a lot of sacrifices. The hardest things for
her are being away from home and staying in a hotel, having to
let go of housework and work for the church and the historical
society. It is also hard on her being away from her family.
“It’s a sacrifice, but I feel like it’s worth it.”
She also added that she thinks everyone has times when
they question themselves. “Self questioning at times helps
you evaluate where you are and where you’re going.”
What does it mean to be a Vermonter? “Vermonters have
an independence about them,” she said. “We take on the
burden…the brave little state of Vermont. Vermonters are
very generous.” Clearly Carolyn is proud of where she comes
from. “I always stayed the course. I am deeply rooted in the
community and want Georgia to be a happy, healthy place for
all to live.”
Carolyn believes that every Vermont town needs a strong
school system. “And Georgia has that. Our school provides a
quality education and our students achieve when they leave our
school.”
She also believes that we need a town plan. “Our
challenge is to make sure our people have jobs and have access
to the things they need without losing the flavor of our rural
town…I don’t think we need to be a mirror image of a
developed place like Williston.”
When asked about her role models, Carolyn said that
“my teachers, 4-H leaders and parents were role models.” A
professor at UVM taught her how to study. She also believed
that her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her three
children.
And as for future political goals? “I plan to
continue to run for office because I have something to
contribute. I would like to serve a couple of more terms then
give someone else a chance.”
We are all grateful that Carolyn took the time to share
her insights and experiences on leadership with us.
“Remember,” she urges, “there’s always more common
ground than you think!”
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